FC Dallas sign midfielder Carlos Gruezo as designated player

Ecuador international midfielder Carlos Gruezo has signed with FC Dallas as a designated player from Bundesliga club Stuttgart.

Gruezo, 20, was the fourth-youngest player at the 2014 World Cup and only behind England's Luke Shaw as the youngest to start a game in Brazil.

"His versatility will give us the opportunity to play a variety of formations, but most important for me is to see a player who, despite his age, has been at the highest level of international competition and has played at different positions, which makes me think we can use him in a variety of roles, and that is important in Major League Soccer," FC Dallas coach Oscar Pareja said in a club statement.

"The experience he has representing his country at different tournaments around the world is important for a player's development. With the young core we have on our roster, another international player like Gruezo makes the entire group better."

Gruezo signed a four-year deal with Stuttgart in January 2014 but struggled to break into the team this season, making just three appearances in all competitions.

He joins Mauro Diaz and Fabian Castillo as designated players in Dallas.